Frankfort Bluegrass Fest Enjoys Blue Island Fundraiser Wednesday 7p

"An Intimate Evening with Special Consensus" at Blue Island Beer Company Wednesday is for the most passionate of bluegrass fans and those who value the free Frankfort Bluegrass Festival and all its efforts to bring the best in talent to one location for two days - Saturday and Sunday.

"We thank Special Consensus for its generous gesture to add a date to their incredible globetrotting schedule," said Steve Haberichter, a committee member of the Frankfort Bluegrass Festival. "Greg Cahill (Special Consensus) has so many friends in the greater Chicago area they will recognize his efforts to help."

An "Intimate Evening" is just that in the taproom/listening room of Blue Island Beer Company with only 40 reserved seats for the show. Tickets are $75 with all proceeds benefitting the upcoming Bluegrass Festival. Blue Island Beer Company is located at 13357 Olde Western Avenue in Blue Island.

Tickets and more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1068856277857108

With 40 performances by 20 bands over two days, the 11th annual Frankfort Bluegrass Festival builds on its rich tradition of delivering the finest of acoustic string band music July 8th and 9th – free.

Frankfort Bluegrass Festival

This weekend, The Special Consensus Band will draw its strong following at 4:30 Saturday, July 8 on the Briedert Green Stage, followed on Sunday, July 9th at 12:35 on the Prairie Park Stage.

The Briedert Green and Prairie Park stages in historic downtown Frankfort present award-winning bluegrass acts Travlin’ McCourys, Tim O’Brien Band, Becky Buller Band, Special Consensus and more. Bands will play from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Frankfort Bluegrass Festival is a former “Event of the Year” award holder as named by the International Bluegrass Musical Association.

“The high standard set over the previous decade inspires every artist performing and every volunteer donating time,” said Steve Haberichter, a founding member of the all-volunteer committee. “The extraordinary culture that has evolved is a credit to the musicians, their interaction with respectful audiences and the volunteers who respond every year.”

Two years removed from the challenges of dealing with a pandemic for everyone’s safekeeping, the committee members who work year-round as organizers felt rewarded in 2022 as the turnout and response was as strong as ever.

“Our generous sponsors and supporters remained steadfast to our commitment to bring free, top quality, award-winning bluegrass music to our unique community,” said Amanda Thompson, a fest coordinator.

“Everyone involved with the fest felt we would never lose our momentum despite a two-year pause,” said Haberichter, a participating musician. “It was as if we were all in this together and our faithful following was in tow.”

“The level of musicianship performing in one place over a two-day period is astounding,” said Frankfort Mayor Keith Ogle. “We are so proud that the community members who work so hard work as volunteers are the very face of our village as visitors arrive and encounter our charming historic downtown. The entire weekend projects our devotion to family, friends and community.”

Organizers encourage everyone to embrace the music, and to experience Frankfort’s eclectic offerings from its destination restaurants, unique shopping opportunities, green space and welcoming bike paths.

Each year parents are surprised to see more kids activities added to the open green space in Prairie Park. The Kids Activity Area welcomes toddlers to teens make crafts, play games, and enjoy the performances from the hours of 10 to 6 Saturday and 10 to 5 Sunday. Kids of all ages are encouraged the visit the Down Home Guitar tent to try out bluegrass instruments.

“As always our mission is to promote the preservation and education of bluegrass music, a true traditional American musical art form, in beautiful historic downtown Frankfort,” said Haberichter.

There is an abundance free parking on site.

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Frankfort Bluegrass Festival, a two-day, free event, is Saturday & Sunday July 8-9, 2023 on Breidert Green and Prairie Park, downtown Frankfort, IL.